Caring for your older dog...
Just as humans are now living longer thanks to to better foods, numerous vaccines, and advanced health care, so are dogs. Older dogs make great companions, but often have more needs than younger pups. Health concerns are primary in an older dog's life, as well as nutritional and quality of life.
As dogs age, their nutritional needs change. Older dogs may need special foods, containing vitamins and nutrients essential to staying healthy and active in their twilight years. Making sure you have foods designed for the older dog (commonly called "senior" dog food), is paramount - as is watching your dog's daily caloric intake. As a dog ages, much like humans, their metabolism slows down. Since being overweight is a big risk to a dog's overall health, watching your dog's food intake is crucial. For your senior dog, we recommend Eukanuba Senior Maintenance Formula for Dogs (buy online at petco.com).
Older dogs may experience issues with their hearing and sight. Some dogs lose their hearing as they get older, just as humans do. Also like humans, dogs may develop arthritis. Arthritis may make it painful for your dog to run around like it used to, or to even complete the simplest of tasks like going to the bathroom. It is important to treat your older dog with patience and love. Remember, in a few years, you may be in the same place as your dog.
Annual
verterinary visits are crucial for all dogs, but an older dog may need
to visit the vet more often. Choosing a vet that specializes in older
dogs is a pretty good idea. Also, watch out for some of the
often-encountered issues in an older dog's health:
- Watch your dog's caloric intake. You don't want him to be overweight, but you don't want him to be too skinny, either.
- Dental issues can cause a dog to experience pain when eating, and to possibly experience a loss of appetite. Check your dog's teeth regularly, and have them cleaned at least once a year or so.
- Your older dog may also become depressed. Symptoms of depression (as well as many other problems) include:
- Listlessness
- Not responding when you call
- No longer wagging their tail when you pet them, or come into the room
- Repeated "sighing"
- Lying on their side, staring into space
- Not eating.
If your dog exhibits any of the above issues, then please, take him to the veterinatrian as soon as possible! Your older dog's health may be at stake.
Remember... As dog's age, their health needs change, just like a human's. By talking with your vet, and learning to recognize your older dog's changing needs, you can help ensure that he lives for a good, long life, and provides a lifetime of loving companionship.